SFC (Ret) Arthur Leslie Rutko

September 1, 1948 - May 5, 2015

SFC (Ret) Arthur L. Rutko, one of 16 children born to the union of the late Costy and Prudence (Sharp) Rutko, was born September 1, 1948 in Ashland, Pennsylvania. Arthur entered the United States Army and spent 23 years in service to his country. He received several awards and commendations for his service; some of which included: National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal -9; Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry 2/Palm(Unit), Army Commendation Medal-2, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal -6, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon-3, Overseas Service Ribbon-3, Expert Qualification Badge M-16 Rifle, Air Force Achievement Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He had attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. After retiring from the military, Arthur spent 23 years driving an 18wheeler with over 3 million miles of safe driving. Arthur was united in marriage to Emma “Enkie” Murray on September 1, 1983 in Crocker, Missouri. They shared over 31 years of marriage together and many wonderful memories. Arthur enjoyed being outdoors while hunting, fishing, working in the yard or playing with the dogs. He also enjoyed watching old western movies and television shows. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family and friends. Arthur was a member of the American Legion Post 331 of St. Robert and the Francis J. Lynch VFW Post 3168 of Laquey. Arthur passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2015 in the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri having attained the age of 66 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Arthur leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Enkie Rutko of the home; children: Melissa, Wayne, Patty and Lynn Ann; granddaughter: Terra, along with great niece: Devon and her three children; two grandsons: Matthew and Zachery; five sisters; five brothers; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, Arthur was preceded in death by four brothers: Walter, Costy, Dennis and Bo; and one sister: Linda. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2015 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville with Pastor Danny Graves officiating. The songs “One Day at a Time” by Cristy Lane and “Go Rest High on that Mountain” by Vince Gill were played. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Art Rutko and may be left at the funeral home.